Is it true that conversion for marriage is not allowed, despite a sincere desire to accept Islam?

This is with reference to news item in times of india om 3rd of july 2008 regarding “fatwa on conversion for marriage”which says conversion for marriage is not allowed..this has come as a shock.My close friend wanted to get married to a hindu girl,who was ready to convert to islam and accept islam with sincerity and with all her heart.He even made her read books,taught her the basics of islam.She was quite positive and liked whatever she knew of islam.My friend also asked some knwoledgable people and ulema.They said there is no peoblem if the girl converts,he even asked them if it is right if she is converting just for marriage.they said it is absolutely right and Allah Taala must have made marriage a reason for her accepting Islam and also said it is “kaam of Sawaab” as you are bringing a girl into islam and making all her future generations muslim .Kindly clarify if the news item is right and if yes why such a thing which will have such a huge effect on people aleardy married like this and effect people who are ready to convert with their heart and not even if the reason is marriage.